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According to rugby specialists, Fin Smith has demonstrated why he deserves the starting position for the national team's fly-half against New Zealand on Saturday.

Fin Smith delivered without doubt the best defensive performance we have seen by an English fly-half in several years.

How he fronted up through regularly completing defensive hits versus an aggressive Fijian team stood out remarkably.

His game management was also immense - he showed an excellent balance of finesse and control, and made some strong decisions when things were not going as expected in the first half.

Tackling Prowess Coupled with Tactical Leadership

His capacity to settle the squad strategically while making important decisions is something he has really mastered.

In my opinion, the young fly-half represents England's number one fly-half and he should begin against New Zealand this weekend.

I think the manager the England coach views it that way as well, since Smith has proven he can perform in big international games.

Squad Decisions Amid Rivalry

The experienced fly-half started last Saturday versus the Wallabies due to captaincy reasons, and part of that decision aimed at ensuring continuity while acknowledging his form during the visit of Argentina.

But England's showing versus the Pacific Islanders was a significant step up compared to the display versus the Wallabies.

Australia lost in Italy last weekend, therefore we must not get too carried away about that victory, which should have been more comprehensive given how below par Australia were.

The Fijian team, on the other hand, proved significantly threatening and presented a much more difficult challenge.

Future Prospects

The young playmaker is still only 23 - projecting forward two years, with Ford pushing him but also offering backup, I believe Fin will be in a very strong position in his career.

Marcus Smith also has to be considered as a possibility when appropriate and against suitable opponents.

He's progressing as a player and is starting to find his feet, but he also requires liberty to demonstrate his distinctive attributes.

Bench Impact

New Zealand brought on Damian McKenzie, who registered the match-winning score defeating the Scottish team, demonstrating the significance of possessing individuals capable of creating a real impact as substitutes.

That kind of presence can be the deciding factor between winning the global tournament from failure.

The All Blacks substitute watches the match unfold from the bench while considering about how he can make an impact upon entering.

His decision-making and mistake frequency have enhanced substantially since his early career.

Role Discussion

Should we develop Marcus as that kind influential performer, then having him among substitutes might prove valuable.

Nonetheless, at the moment I don't think he represents the solution at full-back, making it a role remaining up for grabs.

New Zealand are likely to punt testing the English backfield, so it has remain impenetrable.

This role that needs to become a real strength, in defense while regarding offensive transitions threat.

Right now, I believe Smith is a full-back at the highest level.

I find it difficult to identify the advantage fielding him there.

I prefer the ball under his control frequently, though I think that should be among starters, especially in the final quarter.

Natural Instincts

Clearly there exist numerous parallels comparing Ford and Fin Smith.

Smith possesses the capacity to make the correct choices under pressure - his instincts are not something that can be coach.

I remember as he received possession at one stage within his territory appearing that opportunity existed on if they swung it wide.

However during these milliseconds he thought they needed to turn Fiji round since England were up on the scoreboard, so he kicked it to pin them back applying the screw.

This represents the type of fly-half play securing championships while claiming global tournaments.

Complete Package

He also has composure under pressure directing the players nearby, while recognizing that he mustn't constantly serve to be the first receiver.

I hope to witness him receiving the chance to show that at the highest level next week, similar to George Ford accomplish, especially at domestic matches week in consistently.

During the South American tour, the experienced fly-half similarly excelled in difficult situations, where historically one might suggest there have been times where he didn't fully done so during extremely tense matches.

I think we have playmaking options who can do the job, but with Fin's defensive work combined with everything else, it makes him the more complete versatile player.

Tactical Setup

This also indicates there's no need to adjust your defensive system while fielding someone aggressive in the fly-half channel, instead of someone who is a little more passive.

You could also make a strong case for Ford starting with Smith coming off substitution.

There are so many considerations that go on privately, but whichever way the management decide to go, this will present the opponents difficulties.

That has not always been the situation against the All Blacks, where the focus concentrated solely on picking the right player.

On this occasion, either playmaker selected will pressure the All Blacks under real pressure.

Fin's ability to pick the right kick and execute for a potential 50-20 might relieve all the stress off the national team.